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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Poinsett County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. A. W. Ellzey is salesman and book-keeper for the general mercantile firm of A. S. Thorn & Co., of Marked Tree, Ark. He was born in Pontotoc County, Miss., in 1851, being a son of Dr. James Ellzey, of Georgia. The latter, in connection with his practice, was an extensive planter; he was married in his native State to Miss Martha A. Stevens, whose birth-place was the “Old North State.” The father, who was a Democrat in politics, died in 1869 in Pontotoc County, Miss., whither he had moved at an early day. His widow passed from life in 1882. To them were born eleven children. Our subject, J. A. W. Ellzey (one of the seven sons), was engaged in school teaching in the State of Mississippi, and in the spring of 1879 he went to Milam County, Tex., where he followed the same occupation for nearly one year. In November, 1879, he came to Poinsett County, Ark., and was engaged in teaching and farming up to 1884, when he accepted his present position with the above mentioned firm. He is not a very active politician, but usually votes the Democratic ticket, and socially is a member of the Masonic order. He was married in Poinsett County, in January, 1881, to Miss Mollie C. Williams, who was born in Poinsett County, and is a daughter of B. D. and A. J. (Mardis) Williams, who were born in Alabama and Tennessee, respectively. The father’s death occurred in 1862, and his widow, now Mrs. Thorn, still survives and makes her home at Marked Tree, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Ellzey became the parents of five children (three of whom are now living): Birdie; Beatrice, who died in May, 1886; Thaddeus and Willie (twins), the latter dying in July, 1885, and Willie.

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This family biography is one of 70 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Poinsett County, Arkansas published in 1889.  View the complete description here: Poinsett County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Poinsett County, Arkansas family biographies here: Poinsett County, Arkansas Biographies

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